Amazon is building physical bookstores. But why?

The big trend in retailing today is toward “omnichannel” strategies, which blend physical stores, Web stores, and mobile apps in a way that makes the most of the convenience of smartphones and overcomes their limitations. … What Amazon lacks is experience in the touchy-feely world of traditional retailing. The company’s proficiency in software and data crunching is unquestioned. Its people skills are another matter.

This article speculates some reasons for Amazon’s move into the brick-and-mortar world. But it also shows why existing local bookstores that offer coffee bars, comfy reading spaces, and an eclectic selection, should have nothing to fear: http://bit.ly/2eRQbQ9